Terra Centre Newsletter 9/30/24

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Custodian Makeover

Extreme Makeover-Custodian Office Edition! Our well deserved custodians received an office makeover complete with new furniture, decorations, and snacks! Thanks to all TC staff that volunteered, our custodians loved the new look!


Terra Centre Families,

Welcome to Fall!  As the weather changes, students will continue to spend time outdoors for recess, physical education classes, and fire drills throughout the fall season. We encourage families to send students to school wearing layers of clothing that has been labeled so items are found and not lost outside! 

We will be sending all K-6 families an updated electronic form next week for our upcoming 3 hour early release on Monday, October 28th. We are asking all families to review the information and complete the form as soon as possible. We have been notified that SACC will now open for SACC PM students at the early release time of 12:25 p.m. on Monday, October 28th.

As a reminder, there is no school for PREK-6th grade students Thursday, October 3rd-Friday, October 4th. We look forward to students returning on Monday, October 7th

Please scroll down to review important reminders and information. 

Rebecca Gidoni, Principal

Teresa Lewis, Assistant Principal


Important Reminders

Field Day

Terra Centre's Field Day is coming up!  Mark your calendars to come and volunteer on Wednesday, October 9th! Field Day is a day filled with collaborative activities that promote building a strong, positive school community.  Students will participate with their homeroom class. Please consider volunteering by signing up using the link below. Reach out to our PE teachers Mr. Totten and Mrs. Patrick, for any additional questions. 

Field Day Volunteer Sign Up

Save the Date - Curriculum Night

Curriculum Night

 

Picture Day

Picture day is on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Photos can be ordered online at www.barksdalephoto.com - click Order Now and enter Access Code: 0038625IN. Barksdale order forms will be sent in Take-Home Folders on Friday, September 20. You can also scroll down to view the flier.

Picture Day 1
Picture Day 2

Mark Your Calendar

September: Attendance Awareness Month

September 15 - October 15:  National Hispanic Heritage Month

Tuesday, October 1st: Fall Picture Day

Thursday, October 3rd: Rosh Hashanah Holiday - No School

Friday, October 4th:  Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

Wednesday, October 9th: National Walk & Roll to School Day

Wednesday, October 9th: Field Day

Monday, October 14th:  Student Holiday/Staff Development Day

Tuesday, October 22nd: Curriculum Night-6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 28th: 3-Hour Early Release for K-6 (12:25 dismissal)

Thursday, October 31st: 2-Hour Early Release for PreK-6  (1:25 dismissal)

Friday, November 1st: Student Holiday, No School


Important Dates for Three-Hour Early Release:

October 28th

December 9th (Please note the change from November 25th)

February 24th

March 17th

April 28th

May 19th


PTA News

After School Clubs

All after school clubs are now open for registration! Please note they fill up fast, so register today (waitlists are available, as space becomes available).

This fall, we're offering the following programs:

-Lego Club, Grades 1-6, Tuesdays

-Chess Club, Grades 1-6, Tuesdays 

-Running Club, Grades 4-6, Wednesdays (registration full- waitlist only)

-Beginners Gymnastics, Grades 1-4, Wednesdays (registration full- waitlist only)

-iCook After School, Grades 1-4, Thursdays (Registration can be found at: https://www.icookafterschool.com/events/terra-centre-thursday)

-Hip Hop, Grades 1-5, Thursdays  

Are you interested in volunteering to be an After School Club coordinator? We still need a coordinator for Thursdays! Volunteers get FREE club registration for their child! Reach out to Alexi at tcesptavp2@gmail.com to let us know.

Most programs are scheduled to begin the first week of October, pending final county approval. Register here: https://tcpta.ptboard.com/formvw/store?store=5158

Terra Centre Fundraiser

Stay tuned for our fall fundraiser information...we're trying something new and easy. The PTA's goal is to raise enough money to to cover field trip buses, teacher reimbursements, and experiential learning equipment. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Tuesday, October 8th: Chalk the Walk for Walk & Roll to School Day-3:30 PM

Wednesday, October 9th: National Walk & Roll to School Day

Monday, November 4th: Annual Pumpkin Drop & Outdoor Movie-4:30 PM

Please consider joining the PTA. The number one reason to join the Parent Teacher Association is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help your school. PTA Membership


Important Information from FCPS

🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence. Watch this video with tips on understanding the FCPS school year calendar and visit the Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Math is Everywhere! Talking to Your Children about Mathematics

Join the FCPS Elementary Math Team to discuss ways to engage your children in mathematics.

During our time together we will highlight books, games, and other materials that assist you in talking about mathematics with your child throughout the day.

Teaching math to your children doesn’t have to be intimidating. This webinar will provide concrete examples for caregivers with ideas to spark math joy.

October 18, 2024, 10-11:30 A.M.

Register Online 

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.


Quick Links


Resources

Families needing support (food assistance, school supplies, fee sponsored activities, mental health support, etc.) can reach out to a member of our clinical team. All requests are confidential. Our clinical team members are always available to support TC families with Fairfax County resource information. 

David Lammon-school counselor

Laurel Hanlon-school social worker

Emily Oliver-school psychologist

Our family liaison, Michelle Sehwoerer Rodriguez, is also available to support families, answer questions, and connect families with FCPS information and resources to support their child academically and socially at school.

️ Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.